Page:The Amyntas of Tasso (1770) - Percival Stockdale.djvu/56

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24
AMYNTAS.
Depending from it's fragrant, lowly tree,
I formed an intimacy with a maid,
The fairest sure, whose flowing, golden tresses
Were ever kissed by Zephyr's wanton breeze.
The daughter of Cydippe is the fair,
Her father is Montanus, rich in herds;
Sylvia her name: she was my young companion;
And she at present is my amorous theme.
Sylvia, the pride of woods, the flame of shepherds!
Amyntas with his Sylvia liv'd some time,
Exchanging such a pure, delightful friendship,
That the harmonious hearts of two chaste turtles
Did never beat in truer unison.
Near to each other were our cottages;
But nearer to each other were our souls;
Time had impressed us both with equal years:
But nature with more equal sentiments.
Nets was I wont to spread with her, the ambush
To catch the feathered tribe, and scaly fry;
With her I always urged the vigorous chace;

Our